Gujrat is home to two of the most protected wild life species of the Indian subcontinent, The Asiatic Lion in the Gir Forests and the Indian Wild Ass in the Saline flat region of The Rann of Kutch.

Located in the south west of the Saurashtra peninsula, the Gir National Park is home to about 300 Asiatic lions. The 1400 sq Km. Park has a rocky and a rugged terrain and the steep rocky hillsides are covered in mixed deciduous forests. There are teak, ber, flame of the forest and banyan trees. Small rivers and streams flow through the deep ravines enhancing the beauty of the jungle.

The lions, can be seen at dawn or dusk when the the pride is on the move. Gir forest is also home to nearly 200 leopards as well as chital, nilgai, chinkara, the four horned antelope and wild boar. Small crocodiles are often seen along its rivers basking in the sun. The forest is rich in bird life and the paradise flycatcher, black headed cuckoo shrike, pied woodpecker , Bonelli's eagle, crested serpant eagle, painted sandgrouse, bush quail and grey partridge are among the variety that is found here.

Among the not so popular but equally interesting sanctuaries are, the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary, where large numbers of water-birds can be seen and the spectacular Flamingo Island where nesting colonies of flamingoes assemble to breed and spend winters.

The Asiatic Lions and the Indain Wild Ass are a protected species. Poaching or killing them is a punishable offence.